Sound machines, white noise, and your baby’s sleep

Mar 11, 2021 | Key Sleep Tips, Naps, Sleep Coaching

Sound machines have become a popular sleep tool for parents with young children. There is a lot of mixed information, though, about the right way to use a sound machine, and whether to use one at all! Here’s what to keep in mind when considering a sound machine for baby:

Do keep in mind, you don’t HAVE to use a sound machine for your child to learn to sleep well. Many children sleep fine without white noise.

But, in most situations, I am a big proponent of a sound machine.

Here are some great examples of when a sound machine and white noise can be so helpful to your baby’s sleep:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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– If you find your child waking from short naps, early in the morning, or any other time due to loud noises⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– a noisy pet⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– another child running around making noise during naptime⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– a busy street outside the nursery window⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you are deciding to use a sound machine, I suggest it be:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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– On a “white noise” or “rain” setting (no ocean waves or nursery rhymes that will simply stimulate baby)⠀⠀⠀⠀
– On continuously through the nap and night (not on a timer) – we want it to be on at 5am when the birds are chirping outside baby’s window!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– 5-10 feet from baby’s crib⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– Not higher than 50 decibels (you can get a free app on your phone to measure this)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Remember, your baby, your decision. And, what’s right for one baby isn’t always needed for the next, so do what’s best for your family and babe – if you want to use white noise, TRY IT!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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And, if you don’t want to use white noise, don’t be pressured into making changes that you don’t want or feel are necessary. Your baby, your rules! The Marpac Dohm is a fan-fave among my clients. See this and more ideas for your baby’s sleep space on our Must Haves page. ⠀⠀

Erin Junker is a Professional Infant & Toddler Sleep Consultant, and owner of The Happy Sleep Company, working closely with tired parents to help them help their little ones get the healthy, restful sleep they need. Follow The Happy Sleep Company on Instagram and Facebook – let’s get your family the healthy, happy sleep you deserve!

Disclaimer: I only provide reviews and recommendations for products when I feel they are of great quality. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I am a member of several affiliate marketing programs and, as such, I do receive a commission for purchases made through some product links on this website.

The advice provided by The Happy Sleep Company is not a substitute for medical advice. The advice on this website is provided solely for informational purposes in connection with common early childhood sleep issues that are wholly unrelated to medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health practitioner with questions regarding medical conditions or the health or welfare of your child. 

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